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Lancaster, PA Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Lancaster usually comes around Apr 13 and the first fall frost around Nov 5, a growing season of about 206 days. Start tomatoes indoors Mar 2 – Mar 16 and plant them outside Apr 27 – May 11.

Last spring frostApr 13
First fall frostNov 5
Growing season206 days

When to plant vegetables in Lancaster

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesMar 2 – Mar 16Apr 27 – May 11—
PeppersFeb 23 – Mar 9May 4 – May 18—
EggplantFeb 23 – Mar 9May 4 – May 18—
Cucumbers—Apr 27 – May 11—
Zucchini & summer squash—Apr 27 – May 11—
Pumpkins & winter squash—May 4 – May 18—
Green beans—Apr 27 – May 11Aug 13 – Aug 27
Sweet corn—Apr 27 – May 11—
BasilMar 16 – Mar 30Apr 27 – May 11—
LettuceFeb 16 – Mar 2Mar 16 – Apr 27Sep 10 – Sep 24
Spinach—Mar 2 – Mar 23Sep 10 – Sep 24
Peas—Mar 2 – Mar 23Aug 27 – Sep 10
Carrots—Mar 16 – Apr 20Aug 13 – Aug 27
Radishes—Mar 9 – Apr 27Sep 24 – Oct 8
BroccoliFeb 2 – Feb 16Mar 16 – Mar 30Aug 13 – Aug 27
KaleFeb 16 – Mar 2Mar 9 – Mar 23Aug 27 – Sep 10
Onions—Mar 16 – Mar 30—
Potatoes—Mar 23 – Apr 20—
Garlic——Oct 22 – Nov 26

Dates count from the median frost dates (2016–2025) for Lancaster. In a cold spring, wait a week; in a warm one you can go a week early.

Month-by-month planting in Lancaster

  1. JanuaryPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  2. FebruaryStart indoors: Peppers, Eggplant, Lettuce, Broccoli, Kale
  3. MarchStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Basil, Lettuce, KalePlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions, Potatoes
  4. AprilPlant outside: Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil, Lettuce, Carrots, Radishes, Potatoes
  5. MayPlant outside: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil
  6. JunePlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  7. JulyPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  8. AugustPlant outside: Green beans, Peas, Carrots, Broccoli, Kale
  9. SeptemberPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Radishes, Kale
  10. OctoberPlant outside: Radishes, Garlic
  11. NovemberPlant outside: Garlic
  12. DecemberPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.

Tools for this season

Seed starting kitTrays with humidity domes for starting seeds indoors.See options on AmazonLED grow lightKeeps indoor seedlings short and sturdy.See options on AmazonFrost clothCovers tender plants on a surprise frost night.See options on AmazonSoil thermometerCheck the soil at 4 inches before you spread anything.See options on Amazon

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Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Lancaster?

The median last spring frost is Apr 13 and the median first fall frost is Nov 5, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Lancaster?

Start seeds indoors Mar 2 – Mar 16 and set plants outside Apr 27 – May 11, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Lancaster?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Nov 5): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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